Package-handling machine



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M. JAEGER PACKAGEl HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. 27, 1920` '4 Sheets-Sheet l mwl.

` 1,502,635 M. JAEGER PACKAGE HANDLING MACHINE .my 22, 1924o Lsozs M. JAEGER PACKAGE HANDLING MACHI NE Filed Jan. 27. 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 M. JAEGER PACKAGE HANDLI NG MACHI NE `Filed .JanA 2,7. 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 In uc Wto@ Zx Jagger:

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Patented July 22, 1924. a v

' UNITE-o STATES vMrrEN'r oFFlcE.

MAX JAEGER, OFj BROOKLYN,` NEW YORK, .ASSIGNOR TO ANCHOR' CAP & (L'LOSUl-'tllil4 CORPORATION, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, .A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

PACKAGE-HANDLING' MACHINE.

Application led January 27, 1920. Serial No. 354,416.

To all whom t may coa-cem.'

, Be it known that I, MAX J AEGEE, a citizen rI his invention relates generally to a type,

of machine for the handling of articles 1ndividually and automatically in conjunction with the performance of various operations thereon. While its scope of use and variety of embodiments are quite broad, it is designed particularly for the handling of containers or vessels for the purpose of applying or sealing suitable closures thereon to form closed packages.

In a more specific phase the invention re-vlates to an apparatus for automatically handling filled receptacles, such as glass' jars, and applying thereon suitable closures,

such as hermetically sealed metal caps.

The` general object of the invention is t o l provide an apparatus operating automatlcally to handle filled vessels, position themy in proper relationship to a sealing mecha-- nism, eHect a sealing operation thereon, and remove. them from association with the sealing mechanism, all with such speed and certainty ofoperation as to secure a continuous and rapid output without breakage or loss in the material handled.

A more particularpurpose of the inventionA is the chine where y frangiblevessels may be accurately positioned for the operation of the sealing mechanism, and removed therefrom, to form perfect packages independently of the .element of human skill in the operator.

A -further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus for sealing vessels, which is continuous in operation as to supply of vessels thereto and removal of packages therefrom, and in which accuracy of the sealing operation is contributed to by virtue of the fact that vthe sealing mechanism does not partake of the progressive movement of the packages through the .machine.

A Jfurther object vof the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the sort described wherein the packages are stationary, so far as progressive movement is concerned, during the sealing operation, but in which revision of an automatic mathe supply of vessels to the sealing operation and the removal of packages therefrom are continuous. l

A further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the sort speciied which may be operated rapidly and continuously to handle unsealed vessels without spilling the contents thereof. Y

A further objectof the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the sort specified possessing certain` characteristics of construction whereby a given apparatus is enabled to accommodate and effect operations uponv vessels of great variety of size and form. *Y 5 A further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of the kind specified which is adapted to maintain its accuracy of operation, by virtue of a construction ywhereby the package positioning mechanism is subjected to a minimum of wear and strain in the operation of the machine.

A further object of the. invention is the provision of 'an article-handling' apparatus orms of which is adapted to be applied to sealing machines nou7 in use. p

Another object of the invention is the rovision of a mechanism having the capa ilities hereinabove mentioned and which is so simple in construction and positive in operation as to present minimum opportunity for disarrangement of function by fouling.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus Apossessing the attributes hereinabove specied which is of such simple construction and so few 'artsas topermit its being constructed an operated at a minimum cost and small space.

Other and further objects of the invention will be pointed out hereinafter' or will be obvious from the description, orindicated in the appended claims, reference being'had to the accompanying drawings formin an illustrative disclosure of one form in w ich the invention may be embodied.

Described generally in one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus which includes a sealing device which is adapted to form a closure on a packing vessel. This device is operated intermittently to permit the placing of successive vesselsv for the sealing operation and the withdrawal of the Vpackages after it. Associated with the sealing device is Vwhat I will term a supply mechan1sm, and which is in the form of a con'- tinuously operating conveyor vadapted to transmit vvessels continuously to the sealing device, said conveyor being arranged so that it may be 'easily supplied with vessels by hand. Also associated with-the sealing deviceis a removing apparatus similar in substantial details to the supply mechanism,

and which includes an endless chain or conveyor adapted for continuous operation to -supplied in a continuous succession by the supply mechanism, and `place them singly and successively in proper position for the olperation of the sealing mechanism upon t em; and upon the completion of the sealing operation upon each package, this positioning mechanism is rendered effective upon l-it again to remove it from association with the sealn device and to place it under the control of t e continuously operating removing mechanism. By virtue of the construction, while the supply of vessels 'successively to the positioning mechanism goes on continuously, and the removal of the ypackages successively from the positioning mechanism goes on continuously, by virtue of the effectiveness of the positioning mechanisnrupon the packages, each package is momentarily detained while the sealing operation is effected by Vthe sealing devices which. are maintained stationary with re* spect to the progressive movement of the packages through the machine.

Described generally, the ositioning mechanism which I provide or effecting this operation. comprises a continuously moving belt or conveyor associated at its extremities with the continuously operating supply mechanism at one end, and the continuously operating withdrawal mechanism atl the other end. This continuously operating conveyor Acarries series of independently controlled and operated fingers which I term handling lingers and which are arranged to be operated through suitable control mechanism so that they are brought into contact with the successive vessels at the proper times to take them over from the supply mechanism without` interruption of Atheir progress; and said fingers are similarly controlled to effect their removal from eachV package immediately such package is in oper and accurate sealing position. Said gers are further rendered effective, after the completion of the sealing operation upon each vessel, to assume control of the vessel .and advance it from its position of rest and adjustment are provided whereby the apparatus may be accommodated to a great variety of vessels and packages, and all operating parts are Vso accurately and essentially articulated as to insure proper operatilon under all conditions of speed and sup- In the said drawings Figure 1 represents a front elevation of the-complete apparatus, the same being largely diagrammatic;

Figuren@ re resents al sectional elevation of one form o machine, the said section being taken substantially on line A-A of Figure 3;

`Figure 3 represents a side elevation of the machine, various parts being shown in section; l

Figure 4 represents a top view of certain portions of the machine, showing the handling tableand positioning mechanism, with ce'rtain parts broken away; and

Figure is a detail front elevation of the positioning chain.

It is to be understood that the embodiment of the invention herein shown and now about tobe described represents but one of the various species of forms in which the invention may be embodied, and that there- -fore the present disclosure is for the purpose vof illustrating thel invention and not for the purpose of defining or limiting its scope to the particular form of machines disclosed.

Referring to these drawings by the reference numerals applied, it will be seen that the app/a'ratus includes the elongated handlingeyable 1-1 associated with a sealing devic/ 2. The portion of the handling table indicated by the numeral 1 is the suppl side, while the portion of the handling ta le indicated by the numeral l is the removal side The handling table is sustained at its outer extremities by suitable supports 4 which preferably are adjustable to permit variation in the elevation of the supporting table. At their inner extremities the respective portions ofthe handling table are adjustably supported upon the pedestal 5, as will be explained resently. Y* l The pedestal 5 1s in the nature of a col umn maintained in upright position by a suitable base 6.` The pedestal includes a bearing 7 for an operating shaft and suitable front bearings 8, and at its upper portion a proper bracket upon which the sealing device 2lis supported. Supported` on the pedestal below the sealing device is a frame 9. This frame 'may be formed as van integral part of the pedestal, or when designed for application to sealing machines now in use, it may be provided witn means whereby it may be aihxed to the pedestal. In the present instance athis means includes a center sleeve portion 10 adapted'to fit between the frontal bearing members 8 and having a longitudinal bore,

adapted to register with the bearing openings, together with set screws 11 adjustably mounted in lateral arms of the frame and adapted to clamp a portion ofthe pedestal between them. By such means the frame may be adjusted to accurate position on the pedestal. The frame includes also laterally disposed guidesy 12 having vertical channels in which 'are slidably mounted supporting plungers 14. These plungers are arranged so that they may be adjusted longitudinally in the guides 12, as by the means illustrated, wherein the plungers are screw threaded and meshed with adjusting huts 15 which bear against the upper extremities of the guides 12. Nuts 16 on the plungers 14 limit the upward movement of the latter by engagement againstthe lower extremities of the guides 12, and also func'- tion as lock nuts to lock the posts lixedly in proper adjustment. A quill 17 forms a centering connection for the sleeve 1() and the bearing members 8.

Mounted on the upper extremities of the plungers 14 is a housing 18 having sockets 19, in which the plungers 14 areseated, and a horizontal cover plate 20, which 'I shall call the transfer table. To one lateral exltremity of the housing 18 is'hinged the .inner extremity of. handling table 1, vthe hinge pintle being indicated at 21, and. to

the opposite lateral extremity of the bonsmg 1s similarly hinged the inner extremity of handling table 1 is pinned to thel frame 22 and slidable' through the boss 29. Adjacent its other extremity, the housing 18 affords-a bearing 30 for vertical shaft 31, and a bearingv 32 for a horizontal stub shaft 34. As best seen in Figure 4, the stub shafts 25 and 34 carry at their extremities sprockets 36 and 37, and as shownl in Figure l2 stub shaft 34 carries a helical gear 38. The sprockets 36 are conjoined by a sprocket chain'39 so that stub shaft 25 may be rotated by the rotationof shaft 34 imparted through helical gear 38. Each of the sprocket-wheels It will be obvious. 'that by adjustment o f the nuts 15 the ele- This bearing, frame 1s 37 is meshed with asprocket-chain 40,*each of which chains is supported on a sheave or sprocket 41 mo'unt'ed on its associated standard 4.v

Formed as a part ofv frame 9 is a laterallyextending bracket 42 which affords a vertical bearing 44- for the shaft 31. A

bracket 43, similarly supported,`aords a bearing for -a horizontal shaft 46.

46 is. driven from power shaft 3 by means Shaft of sprockets 47 and 48 connected by a Y sprocket-chain, and shaft 46 -is effective to drive shaft 31 by means of bevel pinions 49'and 50. As best Vseen in Figure 2,-.the connection between the pinion 49 and the shaft 31 .isby meansofa key 51 which rides in a long keyway in shaft 31 so that the shaft may be movable longitudinally through the pinion' to accommodate theadjustments in elevation of'housing 18 as :above described. l By virtue of the operating connections thus far described,it will be obvious that powerl from power shaft 3 may. be transmitted through sprockets 47 andv 48 to shaft .46, and thence through shaft `31 to a helical gear 52 which drives into helical gear-38 to actuate shaft 34; thence, by rotation of shaft 34, and

the connection afforded by sprockets 36 and.

37 and chain 39, the conveying chains 40 may be transmitted continuously in the same direction and at the same constant speed. rlhc proper tension may be maintained on chains 40 by suitable slack adjusters 54, and on the chain 39 by adjustment ofthe nut 27'.

As bestseen in Figure 3, the handling tables 1 and l may be formed of a pair of horizontally disposed plates 55 supported on angle bars 56 to rigidity, andQwhie plates and angle bars are secured at their extremities in suitable connecting yokes 57. The plates 55y are spaced apart so asyto aforda median slot extending longitudinally of the table. The chains 40 travel below the plates 55 and beive them the' necessaryA llO tween the angle bars 56, being supported on track members 58 which are adjustably mounted' in clamps '59 supported on the clamping screws 60, seated in the angle bars 56.. By ineens of the adjustment of the screws 60 the track members 58 may be aligned relative to theslot, and the elevation of the chain relative to the surface of the plates 55 may be likewise varied by vertical vadjustment of the track member 58 in the clamp 59., At suitable intervals, determined by the articulation of the parts, ythe-chains 40 carry `flights or lugs 61 suitably secured and of proper height to project through the slots and above' the upper 'surface of 'the plates 55.. 0n the upper surface of .the plates 55 are secured lateral guides 62 in the form of longnarrow strips or bars mounted on slotted clamping wings 64 adjustably secured to the plates 55 by means 65 so that the spacial relationship of the guides 62` relative tothe slot may be varied as desired. By virtue of this arrangement, vessels or containers such a's cans, tumblers, bottles,

5 jars,`or the like,positioned upon vthe handling table 1, upon actuation-of the mechf anism as above described, will be transmitted alongthe'surface of the table by virtue of the movement 4of the chain 40 and the en- 10 l gagement'of the lugs 61 with them, and thus delivered at predetermined intervals onto the transfer table 2O Aformed by the cover plate y.of the housing 18. Likewise, at the other side of the sealing device 2, the articles '15 will be .transmitted fromthe transfer table upon the surface of the handling table 1.

This arrangement therefore provides a` means for accomplishing a continuous ysupply of containers ,to the operation of the 20 sealing device, and a continuous withdrawal of packages therefrom JI will next describethe'means .wherebythe articles are handled and positioned for the accomplishment of the sealing operation,

15' and which they are transferred from the continuous suppl'ymechanism to the continuous discharge mechanism.

As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, it will be observed that adjacent its upper ex- -tremity the shaft 31' carries a double sprocket 66 which isretained .in place between clamping disks 67, by clamping lnuts 68.7 Uponv theupper end of the spindle 24.

asimilar double 'sprocket 69 is mounted in ..35 like fashion.' Uponi these sprockets uis carried-an'endless double chain the details /of the construction of which "are best illustrated in Figure l 5. As ltherein shown, this chain, which I will designate a transfer chain, is composed of two proeket chains 73 connected by spacers 70. pon certain of said spacersv are. rotatably mountedsleeeves 157 1, and upon said rotatable sleeves are adjustably Secured handling fingers, preferj ngers are of two kinds, viz., positioning fin ers, desigably in pairs. These handlingA removing nat'ed by theI numeralsV 72, an 7 fingers, designated .b the numerals Theseilingers are of be l-crank form and are secured to the sleeves71 by means offs lit ring portionsi'and clamping screws, sot at' the respective fingers in 'each' pair may be disposed on different radii of the sleeves for the purpose hereinafter to be pointed out.'

Each of. said fingers'includes a vessel-'engag-v ing arml 7 5, and one -finger of'each pair includes a controlling arm.-76. In the case of .the positioning lingers the controlling arms are carrie onl the upper finger of the pairs, 'while int e .case of the removing fingers, the controlling armsare on the lower fingers of the pairs. In the controlling arms are mounted antifriction 'rollers 77 `on pivots parallel tothe pivots'of the fingers, and each pair of fingers is held under tension of a contractile spring 78, the tendency-of which is to swing the fingers backwardly into what VI will designate as their retracted position.

The backward movement of the n ers is stopped by adjacent spacers whic also provide points of anchora e for the springs 78. As best illustrated in igure 4 it will be seen that the size and arrangement of the sprockets 66 and 69 are Isuch that the posterior stage of the double chain is transmitted' adjacent the path defined by the guides 62, and that the fingers in their retracted positions travel outslde of said path; but when in their projected position, their vessel-engaging arms travel above said path and above the spockets 37 which establish the 'terminalsof the continuously operating supply-and removal mechanisms. The move- 'ment of the positionin fingers to projected positions is determine l by cams. The cam designated by the numeral 79 determines the 'operation of the'positionin fingers.

It will be observed in igure 4: that its right-handl extremity is'bent around Vthe sleeve ofthe double sprocket 69 and lies inthe path of the rollers 77 on the controlling arms of the positioning fingers. 'As a consequence, whenthe controlling arm of each pair of positioning fingers 1s moved against. the end of this cam', theyl will bey swung to projected positionand maintained in lthat position until the roller 77 moves ofi' of the left-hand extremity of said cam.

Theposition .of theleft-hand extremity of said .cam is determined by an adjustable plateSO forming a portion of the cam adapted for engagement with the rollers. A cam 81 is similarly arrangedto control the position of the removing fingers, being placed ata' lower level than the cam 79 and'in the path of the rollers 77 mounted on the controlling arms of said fingers. The posi- ,tion of the rightextremity of cam 81 may' be changedby means of the adjustable plate 83. l These cams aremcunted on bolts 82 `seated in vthe lcover plate of the housing 18, .fromA which the cams are s aced by means of sleeves 84.v The rightand ex- 'tremity of the cam .81 is positioned slightly to thel left ofthe left-hand extremity of the cam 79, and the left-hand-extremlty of the cam 81 is` lpositioned. somewhat to the j et 37y of the removing mechanism.vv Mountedon the cams 79 and .81.

are brackets 85, on the osterior extremities moscas spring 90, as illustrated in Figu re 2. The lifting rod 89 is slida'bly mounted in the bearing membersl 8 and operates through the quill 17. `Below the bearing members it is adjustably secured in a block 91by means of a vset screw 92. The block 91 carries the rearwardly projecting roller 94 which rides -in the slot 95. of the Iface cam 96 which is fixed for rotation-with the shaft Also mounted onshaft 3. is an eccentric 97 which cooperates withthe yoke, 98 to re;-

lciprocate the rod 99, whereby operation of the Vsealing device-`2 is effected intermittently. As a result of this arrangement of parts, when Shaft 3 is operated, the lifting' rod 89 is'reciprocated vertically lso that lifting platform 88v is in its elevated positionat thetime oflthe operation of the sealing device 2. In its lower position lifting platform 88 is flush with the upper sur face of the transfer table 20.

Through the operating connections the transfer chain is articulated with the chains 40 so that a pair-ofthe positioning fingersv 72. crosses the center line of the sprocket 37 at the terminus of thesupply mechanism simultaneously with onel of theilugs 61 and one of the removing'iingers 74 crosses the center line of the sprocket 37 at the inner end of the removing mechanism slightly in advance-of leach of the lugs on the removing chain. As a result of this arrangement of parts the transferrin andsealing operations are effectedas fo lowsz' Thev .vesselsl being continuously transmitted at regular and definite periods to the terminus of the supply mechanism at the sprocket 37, each vessel is there engaged by a pair of positioning fingers 72V which are traveling at the same speed as is the transmitting chain, vsaid positioning. fingers being maintained in their projected position by cam 79, and the vessel, due ,to the movement of the transfer chain, is carried onto the lifting platform 88. When ,the vessel has been thus positioned on the plat-v form, the positioning fingers, which have carried it thus far, are instantly retracted out,

of engagement with the vessel immediately the roller 77 moves od' the end of the controlling cam member 80. "This leaves the vessel in position on the platform 88 beneath'. the sealing device 2. yAt this point in the cycle of the machine the cam 9.6- becomes effective to lift the rod .89, movingfl the platform 88 and the .vessel thereon upwardly and into engagement withthe seal formingr members of the sealing device 2. The latter then being operated through the instrumentality of the eccentric-97 to form the seal or closure upon the vessel, the lift-I ing platform 88 is quickly lowered to the charging position-The advance of thev transfer chain having continued duringy and because of the adjustabili these operations, by the time the platform has reached its lower level, lthe 4adjacent plat-formfand carry it leftward past the sprocket 37 of the removing mechanism. When therolle'r reaches the end of the cam lengage the sealedjpackage on the lifting 81 the removing fingers will be retracted v by their 'spring and the package from that point will be carried forward by one of the lugs of the removing chain 40. During the time a vessel remains upon the lifting platform 88 the succeeding vessel gains distance' upon it, but, as each vessel issimilarly detained during the sealing operation, they are delivered at proper intervals to the-receiving mechanism sol as to be picked up by the lugs of the removing chain. It isobvlous therefore, that the operations of supply and removal are continuous although the package is not advanced during the sealing operation. Furthermore, inasmuch as the package is transmitted at uniform speed,and is stopped but Aonce, it is freev from any tendencylto splash out'the liquid I contained in the vessel; and by virtue of the fact that the position of the vessel upon* 'the lifting. platform is `determined automatically and mechanicallyp properv positioning of the closure for the operation of g the sealing device isinsured..

intermittent movement, and due to the fact `that the chain is short and is not required to handle a large number of vessels at a time.

This avoids subjecting the chain to wear such as might render it inaccurate for customary usage. The apparatus as above described is adapted for a wide range of adjustments to accommodate a great variety of vessels. During the course of progressive movement of the vessel through the machine, it is guided by the guide rails 62 which, by virtue of their adjustable mountings 64 and 65, may be so positioned as to accommodate and properly cooperate with vessels 'having a great ran e in width or diameter. Due to the fact t at the points of retraction of the positioning iin ers 72, and of projection of the removing ngers 74, may be determined by the adjusting calnvmembers'SO and 83,

4 j of the translfer chain by rotation of sproc ets 66 and 69 on their shafts, vessels of `any diameter with-y removed therefrom. Likewise, by virtue of the independent adjustability of the respective ingers'of each pair, they may bedisposed on diiferent radii so as to compensate vfor taper or other irregularity in the conoutput at small expenditure of power and labor.

The sealing device, to which l have referred generally, may be ofany effective type for'applying closures to thev vessels,

f many kinds of such devices being well ,known in the art. In the embodiment illusrotate shaft 3 to accomplish the operation of trated, the sealing device is -represented as bein of the type disclosed in the patent to l-Iul, No. 1,134,065. The apparatus as a -wholefwhile designed for continuous operation, may be controlled for intermittent operation. In the arrangement of the mecha-l nism shown, power is supplied from the driving element 100 and through suitable gearing and the jack shaft 101 tothe gear 102, which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 3. By means of suitable clutch mechanism, one element of which'is illustrated at 104, and which mechanism may be of the general type disclosed in the patent to Hull above mentioned, the gear 102 may be clutched to the mechanisms'hereinbefore described. The clutch element 104 is controlled by a springreturned foot lever 105, by successive loperations of which the machine' may be 'controlled to operate intermittently. The foot lever 105 may be held indefinitely in its lower position, or may be locked there by means of a latch 106, and while so held or locked the operation ofthe apparatus will be continuous. A hand Wheel 107 is arranged so that the entire apparatus may be operated manually for the purpose of verifying articulation and testing adjustments.

There may be applied `to the device, as a safety factor, a'cover guide 108 in the nature of a plate extending in advance of the sealing device 2 in position to receive the vessels beneath it as they are fed to the lifting platform 88. rlhe forward end of the plate eing upturned and the plate being somewhat resiliently. supported on brackets 109, it will operate effectively to press the covers of the vessel into place preparatory to the sealing operation, and prevent their striking .against the side of .the sealing device as might happen if they werel not completely seated. This guide extending to the point -where the positioning apparatus takes over controlv ofthe vessel from ythe supply apparatus, also tends to hold the vessel steady against any jarring incident toits delivery from one mechanism to the other, and thereby contributes to preventing the slopping out of liquid contents of the vessels. brackets 109 are adjustably secured to the housing 18 so that the plate`108 may be properly positioned relatively to Lthe track plates 55 to accommodate various sizes of vessels. A guard 110 of wire mesh or the like may be conveniently mounted on the housing 18 in position to protect the positioning mechanism from interference.

.The apparatus vas thus organized' is entirely automatic in that it` does not require the'attention of an operator. The lled vessels may be delivered directly to the supply mechanism from a filling machine, and

the covers positioned on the vessels either by hand or by machinery for that purpose, and the vessels' after sealing may be delivered by the removingl mechanism to a Washingg labelling, or packing apparatus. yNot only does this feature of the machine save the co'st of an operator, but it also effects a great saving in the costof operation, due to the increased speed and absence of breakage, which last mentioned loss'isdue for the most part to lack of care and accuracy on the part of the operator in posi-- The tioning the vessel for the sealing operation and the removal of the packages therefrom.

The apparatus is adapted tol-be operated ata great variety of speeds and with small expenditure-of power, and occupies but lit-` tle space. Moreover, as mentioned above, it is designed to be applied to sealing machines of various4 types now in use.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1` In a packaging apparatus, the combination with a sealing device of a table associated y therewith for handling. :receptacles presented. to the sealing device, said table being adjustable relative to the said sealing device for the accommodation. of various receptacles, a handling table associated with said first mentioned table, and mechanism` associated with said handling table for transmitting articlesthereon and onto said first mentioned table, one extremity of said handlingtable having a hinged connection vvithfsaid first mentioned table and the other extremity of said handling table being movable relative to the first mentioned table.

2. ln a packaging apparatus` the combination with an intermittently operating mechanism of a continuously operating supply mechanism effective to advance vessels continuously in succession at a constant speed along a substantially straight path, and a positioning mechanism eifective to engage vessels during .their movement by the supplyxmechanism and advance -them at the same speed into position for the'action of the operating mechanism.

3. In a packaging apparatus, the combination With an intermittently operating seal-A ing mechanism of a supply mechanism to advance containers in a continuous succession at a constant speed, a positioning mechanism eifective to advance containers from the supply mechanism to the sealing mechanism at a speed constant With .that of the former, and a guide for maintaining the containers in a straight line during their movement by the supply and positioning mechanisms. i

- 4. ln a packaging apparatus, the combina-f tion of a continuously operating supply mechanism elfective to advance a. vessel at a constant speed, a conveying device associated therewithand operable to move a vessel therefrom at the same speed, independently operable engaginglmembers carried by the conveying 'device in position forcooperation with a vessel in movement on the supply mechanism, and means for rendering a plurality of said engaging members eifective upon a vessel successively. y,

5. ln a sealing machine, a vessel positioning mechanism including a transmission chain, means for transmitting the same at constant speed, extensible positioning members carried by the chain, extensible removing members carried by the chain and associated with the positioning members, and controlling devices for determining the extension of said members and rendered effective thereon by movement of the chain.

6. In a sealing machine, a positioning mechanism including a transmission device, means for transmitting said device continuously, a series of positioning members carried by the' transmitting device, a series lof removing members carried bythe transmitting device, said positioning and removing members being disposed alternately on the transmitting device, said members being extensible for engagement With containersto ei'ect advance thereof, and means rendered effective by the movement of the transmitting device to ,accomplish extension of said members severally.

7. ln a sealing machine, the combination with a support arranged to accommodate the movement of vessels, of a transmitting device, means for operating the transmitting deviceto move vessels on the support. and engaging members carried by the transmitting device for engagementvfith a vessel on the support. said engaging members being individually adjustable to vary their angular relationship .to the transmitting device to compensate for variations in the form of vessels.

8. ln a sealing appar Lus, the combination with a support for vessels, of a closure aflixing device operating above said support, supply mechanism operating along said support to move vessels thereon toward the closure aiiiXing device, a positioning y tioning mechanism associatedwith the .sealing device, articulated operating connections for actuating said sealing device intermittently and for driving said positioning lmechanism continuously, individually movable handling members operable by the positioning mechanism to position vessels on said support individually, and adjustable controlling devices for determining the time relationship of operations of said engaging members and the sealing device.

10. ln a packaging machine, thecombination of a sealing' device, a support forvessels, a guide on said support for determining one position of vessels thereon relative to the sealing device, a positioning mechanism operable with a continuous unidirectional movement to move vesselsalong said guide, ma

means for eEectin-g intermittent operationof the sealing device upon vessels presented thereto by the positioning mechanism, and

adjustable means 'effective upon the positioning mechanism to predetermine the extent of movement of vessels presented successively to the sealing device.

l1. ln a sealing machine,the combination device fixed against lateral movement, a positioning mechanism associated therewith and including vessel engaging members, means for actuating said positioning mechanism to give said vessel engaging members continuous orbital movement, and adjustable means for selectively predetermining operatio-ns of the vessel engaging members to present vessels successively to the sealing device and remove them therefrom.

13. ln a sealing machine, the combination of an intermittently operated sealing'head of a positioning mechanism having vessel engaging members, means for actuating said mechanism to give said members continuous orbital movement, a Work support which'is stationary with respect to the direction of movement of said members, and adjustable means for selectively predeterminin operations of said members to accomplis movement'of vessels onto and ofi' ofl said Work support by the positioning mechanism.

14. In a sealing machine, the combination mechanism to give said members continuousorbital movement, and controlling means for retracting certain of said work engaging members to render them ineffective upon a' vessel on the work support, said controlling means being selectively adjustable to prede.-

termine the point at Which the' vvorkengig-fv able conveyor,'two series of fingers mounting members are rendered ineffective,

16.. In a sealing machine, the combination of a Work support, positioning mechanism associated therewith and including vessel engaging members movable to `position vessels on the support, 'means for actuating said positioning mechanism to givesaid vessel engaging members continuous orbital movement, means for lifting the-Work support periodically, and controlling means for retracting certain ofthe vessel engaging membersfrom over the Work support; saidbontrolling means being adjustable to predetermine the point in their travel Whereat the vessel engagingmembers are retracted.

17. In a sealing machine, the combination of a periodically operating sealing device,

a supply mechanism roperating to predetermine the relative position of vessels and advance `them. in succession toward' the sealing device at a constant speed, a support for` receivingl sealed vessels from the sealing device,.and a positioning mechanism operating to move vessels from the'supply mechanism at a speed luniform with that of the 'supply mechanism; said positioning'mechanism 1ncluding portions effective todispose succes-l sive vessels stationarilya't the sealing device in sealing position.

18. In a package handling machine, the combination of a conveying mechanism adapted to transmit vessels continuously in av series, said conveying mechanism including members adapted to engage the respecgers.

tive vessels to determine their relative spacing, a positioning mechanism effective upon vessels in transit by' the conveyor mecha-v nism4 to move themtherefrom, said positioning mechanism including engagingV members operable toeng-age respective vessels insuccession, means for driving .the conveyor* mechanism and positioning@ mechanism and means forindependently adjusting the posi-v tioning mechanism relative to the conveyor mechanism topchange the relationshi of the engaging" members of the former re ativev to those of the latter.

19. A -package handling machine, the com-i bination of a vsupply mechanism adapted to transmit vessels continuously in-series, a

positioning mechanism effective to move vessels theretrom, said supply mechanism and .positioning mechanism having engagintg 1 members effectiveicontemporaneously at ferent heights upon a vessel, and means for effecting 'relative adjustment of the supply mechanism andpositioning mechanism to vary the relative positions of engaging members thereofeife'ctive ycotemporaneously ona given'vessel.

a 20. In a packaging apparatus, thecombination of a sealing device, 'and positioning means. adapted to position packages to be sealed at a sealing' station, said'positioning means comprising -a continuously moved upon said conveyor, one of said series being feeding ngers, and the other `of said'- series .being take-off fingers, cam'members for controlling thev operation of the said fingers, means foradjusting the cam member for the feeding fingers, and means for adjusting the cam member for-the take-off fingers to control the operation of these fin- 21. In. a. packaging apparatus, the combination of a sealing device, and position.-

ing means adapted 'to position packages to be sealed at a sealingl station, said positioning means comprising' acontinuously movl able conveyor, two series of fingers mounted upon sald conveyor, one of said series being feeding fingers, a cam member for controlling the operationof the feeding iingers, and means for adjusting the cam member for the feeding fingers to control the operation of thesame. c v l 22. lIn a packaging apparatus, the combination of a sealing device, andpositioning means adapted to position packages to be sealed at a sealing station, said positioning means comprising a, continuously movable conveyor, tvvo series of fingers mounted upon said conveyor, one of said series being take-off fingers, a. cam member for controlling the operation of the take-ofi` fingers, and means for adjusting the cam member for the take-olf fingers to control .the operation of these fingers.

23. ln a packaging apparatus, the combinatin with a sealing device, of means to guidel packages in substantially a straight line path to said sealing device, supply mechanism operating to predetermine the spacing of packages and move same with a continuous movement along said path, and positioning mechanism in operative engagement with each package before the package leaves the supply mechanism and being adapted to move the said packages to the sealing deviceat the same rate at which they are traveling.

24. In a packaging apparatus, the combination with a sealing device, of means t0 guide packages in substantially a straight line path to said sealing device, supply mechanism operating to predetermine the spacing of packages and move same with a continuous movement along said path, and positioning mechanism comprising movable lingers in operative engagement with each package before the package leaves the supply mechanism and being adapted to move the said packages to the sealing device at the same rate at which they are traveling.

25. In a packaging apparatus, the combination with a sealing device, of means to guide packages in substantially a straight line path to said sealing device, supply mechanism operating to predetermine the spacing of packages and move same with a continuous movement along said path, and positioning mechanism comprising movable ngers moving in a straightline and in operative engagement with each package before the package leaves the supply mechanism and being adapted to move the said packages at the same rate at which they are traveling.

26. In a packaging apparatus, a sealing device, means to guide packages toward the sealing device in substantially a straight line path, package supply mechanism comprising a continuously movable member adapted to move packages along a portion of said path, and package positionmg mechanism comprising a conveyor adapted to remove the packages from said supply mechanism without change of speed or direction, movable fingers upon said conveyor, said ngers being operative on packages moved by said supply mechanism when said lingers are moving throughout their length at a speed substantially equal to the speed of the supply mechanism whereby the speed of packages when moved under the control of said lingers is the same as the speed when the packages are moving under the control of said supply mechanism, and means to cause said lingers to be inoperative to move said packages beyond the sealing station.

27. In combination in a packaging apparatus, a sealing device, positioning mechanism adapted to move packages to be sealed to a station adjacent said sealing device, said positioning mechanism comprising a conveying member, two series of fingers mounted upon said conveying member, one of said series being adapted to position packages at the sealing station and the other of said series being adapted to remove packages from said sealing station, and means whereby the operation of the fingers in the positioning series may be adjusted so that the zone of eHective operation of said fingers may be increased or diminished.

28., In combination in a packaging apparatus, a sealing device, positioning mechanism adapted to move packages to be sealed to a station adjacent said sealing device, saidY positioning mechanism comprising a conveying member, two series of lingers mounted upon said conveying member, one of said series being adapted to position packages at the sealing station and the other of said series being adapted to remove packages from said sealing station, means whereby the operation of the fingers in the positioning series may be adjusted so that the zone of effective operation of said iingers may be increased or diminished, and a movable table between the zones of operation of said fingers and being adapted to raise the packages successively into engagement with the sealing device. 

